Washington Square

Townsend’s appearance alters Catherine’s relationships with her father and Mrs. Penniman. To what extent does Townsend damage the relationships at Washington Square, and to what extent does he reveal preexisting familial problems?

Although Dr. Sloper is wealthy and perhaps arrogant, he does not disdain hard work. Indeed, he works hard at his profession. In this social setting, how do you make sense of Townsend's aversion to having a career?

What does Catherine’s tendency toward silence reveal about her character? How does this affect how other characters view her?